Academic Rivals: A Collision of Hearts

chapter C

Gianna POV

I used to think that living with responsibilities was the worst decision I'd ever made. But after meeting Miss Chameleon, my perspective shifted. Being around someone as dramatic, noisy, and prone to complaining as her was my worst nightmare.

"Ang bigat naman nito, bakit kase ako yung pinapabuhat?" she complained, her voice laced with annoyance.

I ignored her and continued gathering wood, a sigh escaping my lips as her complaints filled the air. We wouldn't get anything done if she kept this up.

"Ouch, ang tulis naman ng kahoy nato, nakakasakit na ng tao. Sayang yung beautiful skin ko kung magagasgasan lang," she whined, her voice dripping with self-pity.

"Pwede ba, kahit limang minuto lang itikom mo yang bibig mo," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. I was already stressed, and her constant complaining wasn't helping.

"Ehh kase naman, nakakapagod kayang mamulot," she retorted, her tone laced with defiance.

"We're not gathering wood right now, Miss Catacutan, not just you, so stop complaining," I said, my voice rising in frustration. I splashed water on my face, trying to cool down the rising heat of my temper. If I could just banish this woman from my sight, I would.

"Stop kaya muna tayo, pagod na talaga ako tapos stress pa sayo," she declared, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Her words made me turn to face her.

She tossed the wood she was holding onto the ground before slumping onto a large rock near the tree.

"Pahinga kase muna tayo kahit 15 minutes lang, buti sana kung kaseng tibay kita eh, kaso hindi," she said, her voice laced with a hint of smugness. As if to punctuate her statement, she rolled her eyes, a gesture that had become her signature move.

"Sige, 15 minutes lang," I conceded, my voice drained of energy. I sat down under the tree, pulled out my bag, and took a long drink from the water bottle inside.

"Hey saan mo nakuha yang tubig?" she asked, her voice sharp with curiosity.

"Dala ko? Bakit?" I asked, my voice flat and my gaze fixed on her.

"Dala? Nakapag-dala ka pa ng tubig sa lagay nayan? Ang dami na nga nating bibitbitin tapos nakapagbaon kapa ng tubig," she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Wait kanino yang bag na nasa likod mo?" she asked, pointing at the bag on my back.

"Akin," I replied, leaning back against the tree, my exhaustion finally catching up to me.

"Wehh, grabe naman tong babaeng to, ang nipis nipis mo tapos nakayanan mo pang magdala nyan," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief. She shook her head, her disbelief evident in her actions.

I ignored her and focused on the falls, the cascading water a welcome distraction from her endless stream of complaints.

"Pengi tubig," she said, her voice demanding.

I looked at her, surprised by her sudden request. She was standing in front of me, her hand outstretched, ready to take the water from me.

"May laway nato," I said, my voice laced with amusement. I was about to pull the water bottle back when she grabbed my hand and pulled me closer.

"Nauuhaw na ako, wala ng laway laway sakin. Ang layo ng dinating natin sa paghahanap ng panggatong, kung hindi ako iinom ng tubig, baka bumalagta na ako dito," she said, her voice tinged with desperation. She reached for the water bottle, her need for hydration evident.

"Sino bang may kasalanan na napunta tayo dito?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of accusation.

"E-ehh ano ngayon," she mumbled, her voice subdued.

"Ikaw ang may kasalanan, 'di ba? Imbes na din lang tayo sa tabi ng camp site, pasabi-sabi ka pa na ayaw mong makita yung singit mo kaya gusto mo dito," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper as I uttered the last part.

"Painom na kase," she said, her voice impatient.

I had no choice but to give in. She snatched the water bottle from my hand and started drinking, her thirst finally quenched. I watched her, my gaze fixed on her as she drank. She didn't say a word, didn't even look at me.

"Ahh," she sighed, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "Ohh, thank you hah," she said, handing me the bottle back.

I didn't bother arguing with her. I took the bottle and placed it back in my bag, my exhaustion pulling me back into a state of quiet resignation. I returned to my resting position, but after a while, I felt a surge of energy and decided to stand up.

"Mamumulot kana agad ng panggatong, wala pang 15 minutes," she complained, her voice laced with a hint of pettiness. She leaned back against the tree, her body radiating a sense of entitlement.

I ignored her and continued gathering wood, my focus solely on the task at hand. I could hear her sigh loudly, a sound that seemed to echo my own frustration. Moments later, she followed me, her presence a constant reminder of her annoying nature.

"Apuli, tignan mo may wishing flower oh," she said, her voice filled with a childish excitement. She pointed to a wildflower, her smile bright and innocent.

"Wag masyadong lumapit, baka madulas ka," I warned, my voice laced with concern. I returned to gathering wood, my gaze fixed on the task at hand.

"Sus para naman akong bata nyan," she said, her voice dismissing my warning. I shook my head, her lack of seriousness a constant source of irritation.

Minutes passed, and I didn't hear her complain anymore. It was an unusual silence, one that made me uneasy.

"Natahimik ka yata," I said, turning to face her.

Only to see Catacutan drowning. "Sh*t," I muttered, my heart sinking into my stomach.

I quickly removed my jacket and shoes, then jumped into the water without hesitation. The waves weren't strong, and I easily reached her. But as I was about to pull her up, she suddenly sank beneath the surface. Panic surged through me, my eyes widening in alarm. I didn't let her disappear completely, diving down after her. I watched her, my heart pounding in my chest as I saw her slowly run out of air, her eyes closing. "Walang mamamatay ngayon," I whispered to myself, a fierce determination filling me as memories I had tried to bury resurfaced.

I swam faster, extending my hand to reach her. When I finally got close, I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me. I didn't let go, my grip tightening on her waist. I held on tight, refusing to let go until we reached the shore.

"Hooh," I gasped, collapsing onto the shore, my lungs burning from the exertion. After a few seconds, I forced myself to sit up and check on her. "Catacutan," I called out, shaking her gently.

She was unconscious. I pressed my ear to her chest, then placed my hand on her nose. I couldn't feel her breathing.

"Sorry, Catacutan. Gagawin ko to para iligtas ka, wag ka sanang magalit sakin," I whispered, my voice filled with a mixture of fear and determination.

I began CPR, pumping her chest, hoping to restart her heart. I continued for a minute, but there was no progress. I had no choice but to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I inhaled deeply, held her cheek, and blew air into her mouth. I repeated the process, my hope dwindling with each passing moment. Finally, her eyes fluttered open.

cough cough

I stopped, my heart pounding in my chest. She was awake, and she seemed to be okay.

"A-apuli," she whispered, her voice weak.

I ran my fingers through my hair, my emotions a whirlwind of relief and anger. I gave her a serious look before standing up and picking up my jacket.

"Sinabihan na kitang wag masyadong lumapit sa tubing 'di ba? Ang kulit ko kase, tignan mo kung anong nangyari. Kung pwede lang, kung pwede lang ha, makinig ka muna sakin kahit ngayon lang," I said, my voice laced with frustration. I couldn't hide the anger that simmered beneath the surface.

"S-sorry," she mumbled, her head bowed in shame.

"Tsk," I said, my voice a mere grunt. I went to her and wrapped my jacket around her, my movements automatic, my focus on her well-being. "Tayo na dyan, babalik na tayo, magdidilim na," I said, my voice firm. I turned to leave, my mind already planning our next move.

"O-ouch," she whimpered, her voice filled with pain.

I stopped and turned back to her, my gaze falling on her foot. She was struggling to walk, her face contorted in pain. I realized then that her foot was dislocated, the cause of her near-drowning.

"Hayst," I sighed, my frustration mounting. I went to her, my decision made.

Without hesitation, I scooped her up in my arms. I could see the shock in her eyes, but I ignored it, my focus solely on getting her to safety.

"O-oii," she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and fear.

"Umayos ka, baka maibagsak kita't matuluyan kana," I said, my voice firm, my words a warning.

When we reached my spot, I gently placed her on the ground. I immediately grabbed the first aid kit from my bag, along with a stick, my mind already working on a solution. I could feel her gaze on me, but I ignored it, my focus on the task at hand.

"Akin na yung paa mo," I said, my voice a low rumble.

She slowly lifted her foot, wincing at the pain. I adjusted her leg, my movements gentle but firm. I began the first aid, my hands working quickly and efficiently. It only took a few minutes, and I was done.

"Wag masyadong gumalaw baka lalong lumala," I warned, my voice laced with concern. I gently placed her foot back on the ground, my eyes fixed on her face. "I guess hindi tayo makakabalik ngayon sa camp site," I said, my voice matter-of-fact. I picked up my bag, my mind already planning our next move.

"A-anong hindi, babalik tayo oii, wala tayong matutulugan dito baliw ka ba?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with panic.

"Sa tingin mo mags-suggest ako ng hindi nakapag-handa," I said, my voice calm, my words a reassurance. I opened my bag and pulled out the tent I had made. "I have my own customize tent, na pwedeng magkasya sa bag at pwedeng dalhin kahit saan, good for two people nato," I said, my voice confident. I placed the tent on the ground, my movements efficient and precise.

"Alam mo malapit na akong maniwala na anak ka talaga ni Dora, pagod version nga lang," she said, her voice filled with amusement. She covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. "Tapos yang bag mo si backpack, nasan na si map? Si Diego at booths hindi mo kasama? Hahaha," she said, her laughter erupting, her words a playful jab.

I shook my head, her words a welcome distraction from the tension that had been building. I ignored her and started setting up the tent, my movements methodical and efficient. She continued to whistle, her carefree demeanor a stark contrast to my own seriousness.

"There," I said, wiping the sweat from my forehead. I looked at the tent, my satisfaction evident. "Here let me help you get inside," I said, my voice gentle.

She didn't resist, her exhaustion finally getting the better of her. I gently helped her into the tent, making sure she was comfortable. When I was satisfied, I stepped back out.

"Hah," I sighed, my breath catching in my throat. I looked around, my eyes taking in the beauty of the surrounding forest. "Mabuti nalang at palagi akong ready," I whispered, my voice a quiet affirmation of my preparedness.

"Hoy, Apuli!!" she shouted, her voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Bakit?" I asked, turning to face her, my gaze meeting hers.

"Anong ginagawa mo dyan?" she asked, her brow furrowed, her voice filled with a hint of suspicion.

"Magluluto," I said, my voice flat, my words a simple statement of fact. I walked towards the pile of firewood, my mind already planning the meal.

"Anong lulutuin mo? Wag mong sabihing may gasol ka sa loob ng bag ko hah," she said, her voice laced with a playful teasing.

"Pano pagsinabi kong meron," I asked, my gaze fixed on her, a hint of mischief in my eyes.

Her grin vanished, replaced by a frown that quickly morphed into wide-eyed disbelief.

"Huh? Seryoso?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with shock. She scratched her head, her disbelief evident in her actions.

I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. "Syempre hindi," I said, my voice laced with amusement. "Baliw lang ang maniniwala na magk-kasya ang gasol sa bag," I said, my voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. I stood up and began arranging the firewood, my movements purposeful and efficient.

"Tsk siraulo," I heard her mutter, her voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement. "So saan ka magluluto nyan?" she asked, her eyebrow raised, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Alam mo, minsan napapaisip ako kung matalino ka ba talaga. Sa tingin mo saan ako magluluto?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of playful exasperation. I pointed to the spot where I was standing, my words a rhetorical question. "Para saan kaya tong mga panggatong na kinuha natin? Hayst," I said, my voice filled with a sigh of resignation.

"Ede sorry, sungit," she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of apology.

I ignored her and continued preparing for cooking, my mind focused on the task at hand. I was grateful I had brought canned foods and other items that were easy to cook in the wilderness.